Sydney Mardi Gras Co-Chair Steps Down

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) Co-Chair Peter Urmson today announced he will be stepping down from the board, effective at the end of April.

The Board of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras said -

“Peter is a much-loved part of the Mardi Gras family and his leadership will be missed in many quarters,”

“He’s so well known among the SGLMG membership and he’s leaving big shoes to fill.

“He deserves and receives our thanks and warm appreciation.”

Mr Urmson said, “I am leaving as I have achieved what I set out to achieve and it is now time for a new generation of leadership to keep the organisation fresh. I am proud of my contribution to the community and privileged to have served in a leadership role working with so many talented people.

“Key initiatives I am particularly pleased with would be the establishment of the Mardi Gras Museum initiative, the increased engagement of young people and women in our community with the Mardi Gras events and ideals.

“Establishing a solid structure of committees that operationalise new initiatives has been a key platform to now continue to grow from.

“I am also please to have worked in partnership with the Lord Mayor Clover Moore City of Sydney, Alex Greenwich on Marriage Equality initatives and the NSW Government in advancing visibility of our organisation in a sustainable manner."

Mr Urmson said he had a long involvement with SGLMG in both a personal and professional capacity. “I’ve cherished my involvement with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and have played a role with the Board since 2009.

“This was my last Mardi Gras on this side of the fence, but next year I’ll be back out there with the rest of the people celebrating. I’ve marched for 20 years and I will be marching again in the years to come.

“I look forward to still being intimately involved with the communities in a personal capacity.”

Pete will continue past April to represent Mardi Gras in the discussion to address LGBTI Policing initatives and act as an advisor to the board.

The Board will consider at its April meeting whether to fill the vacancy on the Board and the Co-chair position prior to the AGM in July.